Directions

For the Beans:

For the sausage: Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Grind the mixture in a meat grinder fitted with a 1/4 inch die or coarsely grind in a food processor fitted with a metal blade.

**Form a teaspoon of the mixture into a small ball and pan-fry for a minute on each side to test the seasoning** Form the mixture into 3-inch patties, 1/4-inch thick. In a large saute pan, over medium heat, add the oil. When the oil is hot, pan-fry the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.

For the Beans: Heat the oil in a saute pan, over medium heat. Fry the garlic slices until golden, about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove and drain on paper towels. Add the shallots and beans to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the spinach. Season with salt and pepper. Saute for 1 minute. Add the veal reduction and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the thyme and continue to simmer for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter.

To serve, spoon the bean mixture in the center of each plate. Lay 2 patties against each other over the beans. Garnish with parsley.

Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning):

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.

Yield: about 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.